N-terminal derivatisation of proteins with polysaccharides

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to methods for producing N-terminal derivatives of proteins in which a polysaccharide, preferably having at least terminal sialic units and preferably consisting essentially only of sialic acid units, is reacted at the N-terminus of a protein or peptide under controlled conditions to produce an N-terminal derivative. The controlled conditions include use of acidic pH for the derivatization step and a higher pH for purification. The derivatives are useful for improving pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of proteins and peptides.

The present invention relates to methods for producing N-terminalderivatives of proteins in which a polysaccharide, preferably having atleast terminal sialic units, and preferably consisting essentially onlyof sialic acid units, is reacted at the N-terminus of a protein orpeptide under controlled conditions to produce an N-terminal derivative.The derivatives are useful for improving pharmacokinetics andpharmacodynamics of proteins and peptides.

Polysialic acids (PSAs) are naturally occurring unbranched polymers ofsialic acid produced by certain bacterial strains and in mammals incertain cells. They can be produced in various degrees of polymerisationfrom n=about 80 or more sialic acid residues down to n=2 by limited acidhydrolysis or by digestion with neuraminidases, or by fractionation ofthe natural, bacterially derived forms of the polymer. In recent years,the biological properties of polysialic acids, particularly those of thealpha-2,8 linked homopolymeric polysialic acid, have been exploited tomodify the pharmacokinetic properties of proteins and low molecularweight drug molecules. Polysialic acid derivatisation gives rise todramatic improvements in circulating half-life for a number oftherapeutic proteins including catalase and asparaginase, and alsoallows such proteins to be used in the face of pre-existing antibodiesraised as an undesirable (and sometimes inevitable) consequence of priorexposure to the therapeutic protein [Fernandes and Gregoriadis, 2006;Jain et al., 2003, 2004]. The alpha-2,8 linked polysialic acid offers anattractive alternative to PEG, being an immunologically invisiblebiodegradable polymer which is naturally part of the human body, andwhich degrades, via tissue neuraminidases, to sialic acid, a non-toxicsaccharide.

We have previously described methods for the attachment ofpolysaccharides to therapeutic agents such as proteins [U.S. Pat. No.5,846,951; WO-A-0187922]. Some of these methods depend upon chemicalderivatisation of the ‘non-reducing’ end of the polymer to create aprotein-reactive aldehyde moiety which reacts at primary amine groups. Anon-reducing sialic acid terminal unit, since it contains vicinal diols,can be readily (and selectively) oxidised with periodate to yield amono-aldehyde form, which is much more reactive towards proteins, andwhich comprises a suitably reactive element for the attachment ofproteins via reductive amination and other chemistries. The reaction isillustrated in FIG. 1 which

A) shows the oxidation of colominic acid (alpha-2,8 linked polysialicacid from E. coli) with sodium periodate to form a protein-reactivealdehyde at the non-reducing end and

B) shows the selective reduction of the Schiff's base with sodiumcyanoborohydride to form a stable irreversible covalent bond with theprotein amino group.

Due to the polyfunctional nature of proteins, PSA and PEG-conjugationstrategies invariably lead to a mixture of chemically differentmolecular entities. Unintentional by-products may be generated duringthe conventional conjugation reactions described above by reaction ofthe colominic acid with side chains of amino acids, for instance. Thesemay be sufficient to be troublesome in the manufacture of chemicallydefined conjugates required by regulatory authorities for therapeuticuse in man and animals.

A site-directed approach of conjugating proteins to poly(ethyleneglycol), which allows for the preparation of essentially homogeneousPEG-protein derivatives with a single PEG chain conjugated to the amineterminus of the protein is reported by Kinstler et. al., 2002. Thisselectivity is achieved by conducting the reductive alkylation ofproteins with PEG-aldehydes at a lower pH than usual. However, themethod was applied to conjugation with PEG only.

The rules for chemistry of PEGylation cannot be applied topolysialylation as such because of the difference in the physiochemicalproperties of these molecules. PSA is an acid labile polymer and isstable for weeks around neutral pH (FIG. 2.2). The results in FIG. 2.2show that at pH 6.0 and 7.4 CA is stable for 8 days, at pH 5.0 there isslow degradation (after 48 hours 92% of initial MW), and at pH 4.0 thereis slow degradation (after 48 hours 70% of initial MW). Polysialic acidis highly hydrophilic whereas PEG is an amphiphilic molecule in nature.When polysialylation is carried out using conditions used forPEGylation, aggregation and precipitation of the proteins is seen inmany cases.

One of the most challenging tasks which remains in the development ofprotein pharmaceutical is dealing with physical and chemicalinstabilities of proteins. Protein pharmaceuticals usually have to bestored under cold conditions or be freeze-dried to achieve an acceptableshelf life. Excipients (for instance, stabilising buffers, sugars,polyols, surfactants, salts, PEG, polymers, metal ions and amino acids)and structural modification have been used to improve the stability ofproteins giving them greater stability and shelf-life. There stillexists a need to provide improved formulations of protein-PSAconjugates.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention we provide amethod for producing a purified N-terminal derivative of a protein orpeptide in which (i) a polysaccharide is reacted at the amine group ofthe N-terminus of a protein or peptide in aqueous acidic solution toproduce an N-terminal derivative and (ii) the resultant N-terminalderivative is purified in aqueous solution of higher pH than in step(i).

In this invention we describe results of the application of a facile andscaleable chemical approach which has allowed us to preparestoichiometrically defined, site-directed conjugates of polysaccharides,preferably polysialic acid (PSA) to the N-terminus of proteins.Typically this is via reductive alkylation with PSA-aldehydes in anaqueous environment. Conjugating the N-terminus is advantageous since itis thought that this minimises any undesirable interference between thepolysaccharide and the remainder of the amino acid residues in theprotein.

The method requires restoration to neutral pH soon after derivatisation,otherwise the polysaccharide is degraded substantially by exposure tothe acidic environment of the derivatisation buffer. The method alsorequires use of controlled pH and optionally the presence of formulationadditives during the reaction in order to prevent precipitation of theprotein.

This invention allows well-defined, chemically homogeneous andefficacious conjugates of proteins to be synthesized, which have greatutility in the pharmaceutical industry.

In this specification, the terms “protein” and “peptide” are usedinterchangeably.

The protein reacts mainly at the N-terminal amine group. This isachieved by the pH conditions of the reaction which selectively promotechemical reaction at the N-terminus of the protein. FIG. 2.1 showsderivatisation of a protein with PSA. Selective reduction of theSchiff's base with cyanoborohydride to form a stable irreversiblecovalent bond with the N terminal amino group is shown.

The aqueous acidic solution is the reaction medium in which thederivatisation reaction is carried out. This may be a buffer solution,for instance, sodium acetate. The reaction medium is water-based.

The method according to the first aspect of this invention requires thatthe purification step, step (ii), is carried out at a higher pH than thederivatisation step, step (i). Preferably, the purification step iscarried out at substantially neutral pH. If the purification isperformed at the same pH as the derivatisation step, which is acidic,the polysaccharide is likely to undergo degradation. By acidic pH, wemean a pH which is less than 7. Preferably, in step (i) of the methodthe pH of the aqueous acidic solution is in the range 3.0-6.5, morepreferably in the range 4.0-6.0. The pH of the solution used in step(ii) of the method is less acidic than the pH of the solution in thefirst step. The pH is preferably substantially neutral and has a pH inthe range 6.5-9.5, preferably 6.5-8.5, most preferably 6.5-8.0.

In one embodiment of this invention, the polysaccharide is activatedprior to reaction with the protein or peptide to produce an activatedderivative. Typically, the activated derivative of a polysaccharide hasa reactive aldehyde group and step (i) is carried out under reducingconditions. Borohydride may be used to provide the reducing conditions.The N-terminus of the protein reacts with the reactive aldehyde group toproduce an adduct which, when reduced, produces the N-terminalderivative of a protein or peptide.

The reactive aldehyde may be produced by selective oxidation of thepolysaccharide using periodate.

The activation of polysaccharides should preferably be carried out underconditions such that there is substantially no mid-chain cleavage of thebackbone of a long-chain (polymeric) starting material, that issubstantially no molecular weight reduction. The activation step willtypically be the provision of an aldehyde moiety at the terminus of thepolysaccharide. Enzymes which are capable of carrying out this step maybe used. Most conveniently the oxidation is a chemical oxidation. Thereaction may be carried out with immobilised reagents such aspolymer-based perruthenate. The most straightforward method is carriedout with dissolved reagents. The oxidant is suitably perruthenate, or,preferably, periodate. Oxidation may be carried out with periodate at aconcentration in the range 1 mM to 1M, at a pH in the range 3 to 10, atemperature in the range 0 to 60° C. for a time in the range 1 min to 48hours.

Suitable reduction conditions for the derivatisation reaction mayutilise hydrogen with catalysts or, preferably hydrides, such asborohydrides. These may be immobilised such as Ambertite (trademark)-supported borohydride. Preferably alkali metal hydrides such assodium borohydride is used as the reducing agent, at a concentration inthe range 1 μM to 0.1M, a pH in the range 5.0 to 10, a temperature inthe range 0 to 60° C. and a period in the range 1 min to 48 hours. Thereaction conditions are selected such that pendant carboxyl groups onthe starting material are not reduced. Other suitable reducing agentsare cyanoborohydride under acidic conditions, e.g. polymer supportedcyanoborohydride or alkali metal cyanoborohydride, L-ascorbic acid,sodium metabisulphite, L-selectride, triacetoxyborohydride etc.

Other activated derivatives of polysaccharides may have utility in thepresent invention, including those with pendant functional groups suchas NHS, as described in our earlier patent application WO 06/00540.

Preferably, the polysaccharide is an anionic polysaccharide such aspolysialic acid (PSA), heparin or chondroitin sulfate. Most preferably,the polysaccharide is PSA. However, in the invention this preferredpolysaccharide starting material may comprise units other than sialicacid in the molecule. For instance sialic acid units may alternate withother saccharide units. Preferably, however, the polysaccharide consistssubstantially only of units of sialic acid. Preferably these are joined2→8 and/or 2→9.

Preferably the polysaccharide starting material has at least 2, morepreferably at least 5, more preferably at least 10, for instance atleast 50, saccharide units. For instance a polysaccharide may compriseat least 5 sialic acid units.

The polysialic acid may be derived from any source preferably a naturalsource such as a bacterial source, e.g. E. coli K1 or K92, group Bmeningococci, or even cow's milk or N-CAM the sialic acid polymer may bea heteropolymeric polymer such as group 135 or group V of N.meningitidis.

The polysialic acid may be in the form of a salt or the free acid. Itmay be in a hydrolysed form, such that the molecular weight has beenreduced following recovery from a bacterial source.

The polysaccharide, preferably polysialic acid may be material having awide spread of molecular weights such as having a polydispersity of morethan 1.3, for instance as much as 2 or more. Preferably thepolydispersity of molecular weight is less than 1.3 or 1.2, morepreferably less than 1.1, for instance as low as 1.01.

The purification of the N-terminal derivative in step (ii) of the methodof the first aspect of the present invention may be carried out using avariety of methods known in the art. Examples of suitable purificationmethods include HIC (hydrophobic interaction chromotography), SEC (sizeexclusion chromotography), HPLC (high performance liquid chromotography)and AEX (anion exchange chromotography).

In the method of the present invention, the reactive aldehyde ispreferably at the non-reducing end of the polysaccharide. However, thereactive aldehyde may also be provided at the reducing end of thepolysaccharide. Chemistry suitable for preparing a polysaccharide with areactive aldehyde at the reducing terminal of a polysaccharide isdescribed in our earlier application WO 05/016974. The process involvesa preliminary selective oxidation step followed by reduction and thenfurther oxidation to produce a compound with an aldehyde at the reducingterminal and a passivated non-reducing end.

The present invention has particular utility for the production ofderivatives of therapeutic proteins. The protein may be, for instance,obestatin, leptin, interferon, FSH, galactosidase or Dnase.

Formulation additives may be present in the aqueous solution in eitheror both of steps (i) and (ii) of the method according to the firstaspect of the invention.

By formulation additive we mean an excipient which is capable ofstabilising the protein or peptide either internally or externally, asdescribed in Wang et al (1999). The excipient may be a stabiliser, asolubiliser or a metal ion. Suitable examples of formulation additivesinclude one or more buffers, stabilisers, surfactants, salts, polymers,metal ions, sugars, polyols or amino acids. These may be used alone orin combination.

Stabilisers typically act by destabilisation of the denatured state of aprotein leading to increased Gibbs free energy change for unfolding ofthe protein. The stabiliser is preferably a sugar or a polyol, forexample sucrose, sorbitol, trehalose, glycerol, mannitol, lactose andethylene glycol. A stabilising buffer is sodium phosphate.

The solubiliser is preferably a surfactant, preferably a non-ionicsurfactant. Suitable examples include Tween 80, Tween 20, Tween 40,Pluoronic F68, Brij 35 and Triton X100.

The metal ion is preferably divalent. Suitable metal ions include Zn²⁺,Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Sr²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Fe²⁺.

The formulation additive may also be a polymer selected from PSA, PEG orhydroxy-beta-cyclodextrin.

Suitable amino acids and amino acid derivatives for use as theformulation additive include histidine, glycine, other similar aminoacids and sodium aspartate.

A population of polysialic acids having a wide molecular weightdistribution may be fractionated into fractions with lowerpolydispersities, i.e. into fractions with differing average molecularweights. Fractionation is preferably performed by anion exchangechromatography, using for elution a suitable basic buffer, as describedin our earlier patent applications WO 2005/016794 and WO 2005/03149. Thefractionation method is suitable for a polysialic acid starting materialas well as to the derivatives. The technique may thus be applied beforeor after the essential process steps of this invention. Preferably, theresultant polysialic acid derivative has a polydispersity of less than1.1.

In accordance with a second aspect of this invention we provide acomposition comprising a population of polysialic acid derivatives of aprotein, wherein the derivatives comprise between 2 and 200 sialic acidunits and wherein the population consists substantially only ofN-terminal derivatives of the protein.

By population we mean that there is more than one polysialic derivativein the composition. The derivatives may comprise the same or differentnumbers of sialic acid units. Preferably, the polydispersity of thepolysialic acid in the composition is less than 1.3, more preferablyless than 1.1.

In the population, substantially all of the protein is derivatised atthe N-terminal amine only. By this, we mean that at least 85%,preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95% of the protein inthe population is derivatised with PSA at the N-terminal amine only. Thedegree of derivatisation at the N-terminus can be measured usingtechniques well known in the art, such as peptide mapping and EdmanDegradation.

The protein may be any protein which has a therapeutic use, forinstance, obestatin, leptin, interferon, FSH, galactosidase or Dnase.

When the protein is FSH the derivatives typically comprise 75-200 sialicacid units.

When the protein is alpha-galactosidase the derivatives typicallycomprise 20-150 sialic acid units.

When the protein is DNase the derivatives typically comprise 2-120sialic acid units.

When the protein is IFN the derivatives typically comprise 80-180 sialicacid units. The preferred polysialic acids are as detailed above for theother aspects of this invention.

The polysialic acid may be linked to the protein directly, i.e. as shownin FIG. 1, or via a linker. Suitable linkers are derived fromN-maleimide, vinylsulphone, N-iodoacetamide, orthopyridyl orN-hydroxysuccinimide-functional group-containing reagents. The linkermay also be biostable or biodegradable and comprise, for instance, apolypeptide or a synthetic oligomer. The linker may be derived from abifunctional-group containing reagent, as further described in WO2005/016973. A suitable bifunctional reagent is, for instance, Bis-NHS.The reagent may have general formula Z—R¹—Z wherein each Z is afunctional group and may be the same or different and R¹ is abifunctional organic radical. Preferably, R¹ is selected from the groupconsisting of alkanediyl, arylene, alkarylene, heteroarylene andalkylheteroarylene, any of which may be substituted and/or interruptedby carbonyl, ester, sulfide, ether, amide and/or amine linkages.Particularly preferred is C₃-C₆ alkanediyl. Most preferably, R¹corresponds to the appropriate portion of the suitable bifunctionalreagent

The polysialic acid derivatives may have general formula (I)

wherein m is at least one;

HNB is derived from B—NH₂ which is the N-terminal amine of the protein;

L is a bond, a linking group, or comprises a polypeptide or a syntheticoligomer;

GlyO is a sialic acid unit;

wherein the linking group, if present, is of general formula—Y—C(O)—R¹—C(O)— wherein Y is NR² or NR²—NR² and R¹ is a difunctionalorganic radical as defined above; and R² is H or C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In this aspect of the invention the protein is linked to thenon-reducing end of the polysaccharide.

When the protein is attached directly to the polysaccharide, the group Lis a bond. However, the group L may alternatively be derived from anN-maleimide, vinylsulphone, N-Iodoacetamide, orthopyridyl orN-hydroxysuccinimide containing reagent. The reagent may have generalformula Z—R¹—Z as defined above. In this embodiment, L is typically agroup

Compositions comprising the polysialic acid derivatives and a diluent aswell as pharmaceutical compositions comprising novel compounds whichhave biological activity, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipientalso form part of the invention. Pharmaceutical compositions may beadministered orally, intravenously, intraperitoneally, intramuscularly,subcutaneously, intranasally, intradermally, topically orintratracheally for human or veterinary use.

The compositions may further comprise a formulation additive, asdetailed above.

A final aspect of the invention is an N-terminal derivative of a proteinor peptide which is obtainable by a method according to the first aspectof this invention. Any of the preferred features of the derivativesdiscussed above are also applicable to this aspect of the invention.

The derivatisation of proteins and peptides etc. may result in increasedhalf life, improved stability, reduced immunogenicity, and/or control ofsolubility and hence bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties, ormay enhance solubility of actives or viscosity of solutions containingthe derivatised active. The new method is of particular value forcreation of a monopolysialylated-protein conjugates. It is based on anunderstanding that at lower pHs N-terminal amine groups are moreprotonated and hence highly reactive.

The invention is illustrated by Examples 1-10 and by reference to thefollowing drawings:—

FIG. 1 a is a reaction scheme showing the prior art activation of thenon-reducing sialic acid terminal unit;

FIG. 1 b is a reaction scheme showing the prior art reductive aminationof the aldehyde moiety of the product of reaction scheme 1a using aprotein-amine moiety;

FIG. 2.1 is a reaction scheme showing the N-terminal derivatization ofproteins;

FIG. 2.2 shows the degradation of colominic acid (CA) at different pHsusing Triple Detection GPC (Viscotek: RI+RALS+Viscosiometer);

FIG. 3.1 illustrates the characterisation of GCSF-CA conjugates bySE-HPLC and SDS-PAGE;

FIG. 4.1 shows the SDS-PAGE and SE-HPLC of 50 kDa CAO-leptin conjugate;

FIG. 5.1 shows the in vive clearance of EPO formulations (i.v);

FIG. 5.2 shows further in vivo clearance of EPO formulations (s.c);

FIG. 5.3 is the characterisation of EPO-CA conjugates by SE-HPLC andSDS-PAGE;

FIG. 6.1 illustrates the in vivo clearance of non-glycosylated EPOversus polysialylated non-glycosytated EPO (n=3-4+/−; s.c);

FIG. 6.2 illustrates further in vivo clearance of non-glycosylated EPOversus polysialyated EPO (i.v.; n=3-4+/−SEM);

FIG. 6.3 is the characterisation of NGEPO-CA conjugates by SE-HPLC andSDS-PAGE;

FIG. 7.1 is the characterisation of CA-insulin conjugates by SDS-PAGE(Tris-glycine (4-20%) gel);

FIG. 7.2 is the characterisation of purified CAO-insulin conjugates bySE-HPLC;

FIG. 7.3 shows the in vivo efficacy of CAO-insulin formulations (0.3 Us.c.; n=4) to outbred female mice; ˜25 grams;

FIG. 8.1 shows the SE-HPLC of polysialylation of Interferonalpha2b (CA39 kDa reaction mixture after 24 hours);

FIG. 8.2 shows the in vivo clearance of polysialylated Interferon (i.v.;n=4+/−SEM);

FIG. 9 is an SDS-PAGE of conjugates obestatin;

FIG. 10.1 shows SDS PAGE of the conjugates in Example 10.4;

FIG. 10.2 is a SE-HPLC of the conjugates in Example 10.5; and

FIG. 10.3 is a graph showing Dnase I Activity vs calcium chlorideconcentration.

EXAMPLES

Materials

Ammonium carbonate, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (8 KDa), sodiumcyanoborohydride (>98% pure), sodium meta-periodate and molecular weightmarkers were obtained from Sigma Chemical Laboratory, UK. The colominicacid used, linear α-(2→8)-inked E. coli K1 polysialic acids (22.7 kDaaverage, high polydispersity 1.34, 39 kDa p.d. 1.4; 1 kDa, p.d. 1.27)was from Camida, Ireland, radioactive iodide (Na¹²⁵I) was purchased fromAmersham, UK. Other materials included 2,4 dinitrophenyl hydrazine(Aldrich Chemical Company, UK), dialysis tubing (3.5 KDa and 10 KDa cutoff limits; Medicell International Limited, UK), Sepharose SP HiTrap,PD-10 columns (Pharmacia, UK), Tris-glycine polyacrylamide gels (4-20%and 16%), Tris-glycine sodium dodecylsulphate running buffer and loadingbuffer (Novex, UK). Deionised water was obtained from an Elgastat Option4 water purification unit (Elga Limited, UK). All reagents used were ofanalytical grade. A plate reader (Dynex Technologies, UK) was used forspectrophotometric determinations in protein or CA assays. B6D2F1 mice(7-8 weeks old; 20 g body weight) were purchased from Harlan, UK andacclimatized for at least one week prior to their use.

Ammonium sulphate, GCSF (SII, india), sorbitol, Tween 20, Q FF [column 1ml or 5 ml; Amersham Biosciences, UK], sodium chloride, sodiumphosphate, Hitrap Butyl HP column [1 or 5 ml; Amersham Biosciences, UK],mouse leptin recombinant (Biomyx), Erythropoietin (EPO) andnon-glycosylated EPO (NGEPO) (m.w. 30600; SIIL, India), Tris [Sigma,UK], Sodium Acetate (BOH, UK), Sodium Phosphate [BDH, UK], Insulin(Sigma, UK).

1. Protein and Colominic Acid Determination

Quantitative estimation of polysialic acids (as sialic acid) with theresorcinol reagent was carried out by the resorcinol method[Svennerholm, 1957] as described elsewhere [Gregoriadis et al., 1993;Fernandes and Gregoriadis, 1996, 1997], Protein was measured by the BCAcolorimetric method or UV absorbance at 280 nm.

2.1 Activation of Colominic Acid

Freshly prepared 0.02 M sodium metaperiodate (NaIO₄) solution (8 foldmolar excess) was mixed with CA at 20° C. and the reaction mixture wasstirred magnetically for 15 min in the dark. A two-fold volume ofethylene glycol was then added to the reaction mixture to expend excessNaIO₄ and the mixture left to stir at 20° C. for a further 30 min. Theoxidised colominic acid was dialysed (3.5 KDa molecular weight cut offdialysis tubing) extensively (24 h) against a 0.01% ammonium carbonatebuffer (pH 7.4) at 4° C. Ultrafiltration (over molecular weight cut off3.5 kDa) was used to concentrate the CAO solution from the dialysistubing. Following concentration to required volume, the filterate waslyophilized and stored at −40° C. until further use. Alternatively, CAwas recovered from the reaction mixture by precipitation (twice) withethanol.

2.2 Determination of the Oxidation State of CA and Derivatives

Qualitative estimation of the degree of colominic acid oxidation wascarried out with 2,4 dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH), which yieldssparingly soluble 2,4 dinitrophenyl-hydrazones on interaction withcarbonyl compounds. Non-oxidised (CA)/oxidised (CAO) were added to the2,4-DNPH reagent (1.0 ml), the solutions were shaken and then allowed tostand at 37° C. until a crystalline precipitate was observed [Shriner etal., 1980]. The degree (quantitative) of CA oxidation was measured witha method [Park and Johnson, 1949] based on the reduction of ferricyanideions in alkaline solution to ferric ferrocyanide (Persian blue), whichis then measured at 630 nm. In this instance, glucose was used as astandard.

2.3 Gel Permeation Chromatography

Colominic acid samples (CA, and CAO) were dissolved in NaNO₃ (0.2M),CH₃CN (10%; 5 mg/ml) and were chromatographed on over 2×GMPW_(XL)columns with detection by refractive index (GPC system: VE1121 GPCsolvent pump, VE3580 RI detector and collation with Trisec 3 softwareViscotek Europe Ltd. Samples (5 mg/ml) were filtered over 0.45 μm nylonmembrane and run at 0.7 cm/min with 0.2M NaNO₃ and CH₃CN (10%) as themobile phase.

Results

Colominic acid (CA), a polysialic acid, is a linear alpha-2,8-linkedhomopolymer of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) residues (FIG. 1 a).Exposure of colominic acids to oxidation [Lifely et. al., 1981] wascarried out for 15 min using 20 mM periodate at room temperature. Theintegrity of the internal alpha-2,8 linked Neu5Ac residues postperiodate treatment was analysed by gel permeation chromatography andthe chromatographs obtained for the oxidised (CAO), material wascompared with that of native CA. It was found that oxidized and nativeCA exhibit almost identical elution profiles, with no evidence that thesuccessive oxidation step give rise to significant fragmentation of thepolymer chain.

Quantitative measurement of the oxidation state of CA was performed byferricyanide ion reduction in alkaline solution to ferrocyanide(Prussian Blue) [Park and Johnson, 1949] using glucose as a standard.Table 1 shows that the oxidized colominic acid was found to have agreater than stoichiometric (>100%) amount of reducing agent, i.e. 112mol % of apparent aldehyde content comprising the combined reducingpower of the reducing end hemiketal and the introduced aldehyde (at theother end).

TABLE 1 Degree of oxidation of various colominic acid intermediates inthe double oxidation reaction scheme using glucose as a standard (100%,1 mole of aldehyde per mole of glucose; n = 3 ± s.d). CA species Degreeof oxidation colominic acid (CA)   16.1 ± 0.63 colominic acid-oxidised(CAO) 112.034 ± 4.97 colominic acid-reduced (CAOR) 0; Not detectablecolominic acid-oxidised-reduced-  95.47 ± 7.11 oxidised (CAORO)3. Preparation of N-Terminal Protein-CA Conjugates with FormulationAdditives3.1 Preparation of GCSF-CA Conjugates

G-CSF (18.8 kDa) was supplied as a solution (1.05 mg/ml in 10 mM sodiumacetate buffer, pH 4.0 containing 5% sorbitol, 0.025 mg/ml polysorbate80) and stored at 2-8° C. The required amount of GCSF was taken into aneppendorf and placed on ice. The amount of CA (e.g. oxidised ornon-oxidised CA 11 molar excess over protein) to be added forconjugation was calculated based on formula:

${{Weight}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{CA}} = {\frac{{Amount}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{{protein}(g)}}{( {{MW}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{protein}} )} \times ( {{MW}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{CA}} ) \times ( {{Molar}\mspace{14mu}{excess}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{CA}} )}$

Required amount of GA was weighed out. CA was solubilised in 10 mMNaOAc, 5% sorbitol, pH 5.5 (20% volume of the final reaction volume wasused here), gently vortexed the mixture until all the CA has dissolvedand then either filtered into a new eppendorf or centrifuged at 4000 rpmfor 5 min and the supernatant was transferred to a new eppendorf toremove any aggregated/precipitated material. Required volume of 10 mg/mlTween 20 stock solution was added, in order to have a finalconcentration of 0.5 mg/ml of the Tween 20 in the final reactionmixture. Required amount of G-CSF protein solution was added to the CAsolution to give a 11 molar excess (for 400 kDa) of CA and gently mixedby keeping the reaction mixture on a gentle shaker at 4±1° C. 100 mg/mlNaCNBH₃ solution was added in order to have 50 mM or 3.17 mg/ml in thefinal reaction mixture, gently mixed and pH of the final reactionmixture was checked, if necessary adjusted the pH to 5.5 with 1 MNaOH/HCl at 4±1° C. Finally adjusted the volume of the reaction using 10mM NaOAc, 5% sorbitol, pH 5.5 to give a protein concentration of 0.67mg/ml in the reaction mixture. Tube was sealed and stirred at desiredtemperature (4±1° C.) for 24 hours. The reaction was stopped by anappropriate method and samples were taken out for in vitro activityassay on MNFS 60 cell, SDS-PAGE (using 4-20% Tris glycine gel), SE-HPLC;superose 6 column) & checked the pH of reaction mixture. To eliminateany precipitate the reaction mixture was centrifuged at 13000 rpm for 5min before SE-HPLC analysis and purification, preferred buffer forSE-HPLC was 0.1 M Na phosphate (pH 6.9).

3.2 Purification and Characterization of GCSF-CA Conjugates

The remaining reaction mixture sample was diluted with AEX buffer A (20mM Sodium acetate, 50 mM Sodium chloride pH 5.0) (1.5 ml reactionmixture+9 ml of buffer A) pH was checked and adjusted if required to pH5.0, loaded on the AEX column previously equilibrated with AEX buffer A.The loading fractions were collected and labelled. The column was washedwith AEX buffer A (at least 5 column volume), fractions collected (eachfraction 1.5 column volume) and labelled. Eluted the product with AEXbuffer B (50 mM sodium phosphate, 0.65M Sodium Chloride, pH 7.0),fractions collected (each fraction 1 column volume; 6 column) andlabelled. If two consecutive fractions were absent in the proteincontent (UV 280 nm), moved to the next step. Samples were kept on iceduring purification. Analysed the protein concentration by UV (280 nm)(Abs of 1 mg/ml of G-CSF was about 0.872). Samples were taken forSDS-PAGE and SE-HPLC. To remove free CA from the mixture, HIC was used.Samples were concentrated, if required.

The AEX fractions containing conjugate were pooled and (NH₄)₂SO₄ addedto give a concentration of 2.75M In the loading solution. This solutionwas then loaded on to the HIC column previously equilibrated with HICbuffer A (10 mM Sodium Phosphate, 2.75M Ammonium Sulphate, pH 6.5). Theloading fractions were collected (each fraction 1.5 column volume) andlabelled. Washed column with HIC buffer A (at least 5 column volumes;rate=0.5 ml/min; (1.5 column volume) fractions collected and labelled.Eluted the product with HIC buffer B (20 mM sodium phosphate pH 7.4)(rate=5 ml/min); fractions collected (1 column volume fraction; 6 columnvolume) and labelled. Samples were kept on ice during purification.Protein concentration analyzed by UV (280 nm). The HIC fractionscontaining the purified conjugate were combined and composition of theconjugate in solution was adjusted with 50% sorbitol solution and 10mg/ml Tween 20 solution to give a final composition of 5% sorbitol and0.025 mg/ml Tween 20. The solution was then concentrated at 4±1° C. andprotein concentration analysed by UV (280 nm). Further purification canbe done by SE-HPLC (e.g. to separate conjugates from freeprotein/aggregates etc.). Conjugate were sterile filtered and samplestaken for activity assay and for characterisation by SDS-PAGE andSE-HPLC. If required an aliquot was removed for protein assay and CAassay. Stored the remainder at 4±1° C. until further use and studied forphysical stability by SE-HPLC.

The effects of various processes affecting the stability of GCSF insolution and the degree of derivatization were studied.

Results

The procedure to prepare and purify colominic acid (CA) conjugates (on20 mg scale) of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in anN-terminally selective manner by conducting the reaction at a reduced pH(pH 5.5) and at 4±1° C. is detailed above. This involves conjugation inthe presence of sodium cyanoborohydride, followed by purification usingion-exchange chromatography (AEX) to remove free G-CSF followed byremoval of CA by hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC). The lowpH was used to favour selective derivatisation of the alpha amino groupof the N-terminus, and also in order to minimise aggregation of GCSFduring the reaction. The composition of the final reaction buffer was 5%sorbitol, 0.5 mg/ml Tween 20 in 10 mM NaOAc at pH 5.5.

Formation of the GCSF-CA conjugates was confirmed by the SE-HPLC (changeof retention time of GCSF-CS as compared to GCSF; also co-elution ofboth moieties); ion exchange chromatography (binding of conjugates on tothe AEC column) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE;shifting of bands with high m.w. species). The conjugates used in the invitro cell line assay (on MNFS-60 cells) were ˜40% active as comparednative protein. The conjugates prepared without formulation additivesled to the aggregation of protein with poor degree of derivatization.FIG. 3.1, left hand side, shows the SE-HPLC data for GCSF-CA 39 kDareaction mixture after 24 hours, prepared in the presence of Tween 20.Characterisation conditions were Superdex 200, ammonium bicarbonate 0.15M pH 7.8. Table 2 shows the peak analysis:

TABLE 2 Peak RT % Area Species 1 31.683 8.80 Aggregate 2 42.683 11.77(CA)2-GCSF 3 49.058 68.55 CA-GCSF 4 68.833 10.89 GCSF

The right hand side of FIG. 3.1 shows the SDS-PAGE results.

4.1 Preparation of N-Terminal Leptin-CA Conjugates with FormulationAdditives

Leptin was supplied as lyophilized powder (m.w. 16,240) and stored at−80° C. The amount of colominic acid (e.g. oxidised or non-oxidisedcolominic acid; 7.5 molar excess) to be added for conjugation wascalculated. Colominic acid was dissolved in minimum quantity of sodiumacetate buffer and was filtered and pH was adjusted to 5.5. Colominicacid solution was added in to the Leptin solution (protein in 20 mMsodium acetate, 1% sucrose, 10 mM L-glutamic acid and 0.01% Tween 20pH5.5) followed by the addition of required μl of NaCNBH₃ in order tohave 50 mM or 3.17 mg/ml in the reaction mixture, mixed gently and thepH of the final reaction mixture was checked, the pH was adjusted to5.5. The tube was sealed and was stirred at desired temperature (4±1°C.) for 24 hours. After incubation, necessary sample was taken out (forSDS-PAGE, SE-HPLC etc.). The protein concentration was analysed by UV(280 nm) (Abs of 1 mg/ml of leptin is 0.878). The various processvariable affecting the degree of derivatization and stability of theprotein were studied.

4.2 Purification and Characterization of Leptin-CA Conjugates

HIC and IEC were used to remove excess CA and free leptin from thereaction mixture respectively. An aliquot was removed for protein assayand CA assay. The reminder was stored at −80° C. until use. Product wascharacterised by SDS-PAGE, SE-HPLC, western blotting, CA and proteinassay etc.

Results

The procedure to prepare and purify colominic acid (CA) conjugates (on 5mg scale) of Leptin in an N-terminally selective manner by conductingthe reaction at a reduced pH (pH 5.5) and at 4±1° C. is shown above.This involves conjugation in the presence of sodium cyanoborohydride,followed by purification using ion-exchange chromatography (AEX) toremove free G-CSF followed by removal of CA by hydrophobic interactionchromatography (HIC). The low pH and formulation additives were used tofavour selective derivatisation of the alpha amino group of theN-terminus, and also in order to minimise aggregation of GCSF during thereaction. The composition of the final reaction buffer was (protein in20 mM sodium acetate, 1% sucrose, 10 mM L-glutamic acid and 0.01% Tween20 pH5.5).

Formation of the Leptin-CA conjugates was confirmed by the SE-HPLC(change of retention time of Leptin-CA as compared to Leptin; alsoco-elution of both moieties); ion exchange chromatography (binding ofconjugates on to the AEC column) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE; shifting of bands with high m.w. species). The conjugatesprepared without formulation additives led to the aggregation of proteinwith poor degree of derivatization,

FIG. 4.1, left hand side, shows SDS-PAGE of 50 kDa CAO-leptin conjugatesand the right hand side the SEC-HPLC results.

5.1 Preparation of N-Terminal Erythropoietin (EPO)-CA Conjugates

EPO was supplied as a solution (0.34 mg/ml in 10 mM phosphate buffer 130mM NaCl pH 7.0; specific activity. 110,000 U/ml, m.w, 30600) and storedat −32° C., protein was defrosted at 2-8° C. and required amount wastaken into a 2 ml eppendorf tube. The required amount of colominic acidwas taken and the protein solution was added to solid CA and mixedgently. The required μl of sodium cyanoborohydride solution was added tohave 50 mM or 3.17 mg/ml in the reaction mixture, vortex and check thepH of the final reaction mixture; if necessary adjust the pH to 7.4.Tube was sealed and stirred at desired temperature (4±1° C.) for 24hours. After incubation, taken the necessary samples (e.g. for activityassay, SDS-PAGE, SE-HPLC).

5.2 Purification and Characterization of Epo-CA Conjugates

The remaining reaction mixture sample was diluted with HIC buffer A(1.2M Ammonium sulphate, pH 6.3) (1 ml sample+4 ml of buffer A) andloaded on the HIC column previously equilibrated with HIC buffer A.Loading fraction collected and labelled. Column was washed with HICbuffer A (1.2M Ammonium sulphate, pH 6.3) (at least 10 ml) fractionscollected and labelled. Eluted the product with HIC buffer B (10 mM Trisbuffer pH 7.0), first fraction collected (0.5 ml) and then 0.5-1 mlfractions and labelled. Samples were kept on ice during purification.

Analyse the protein concentration by UV (280 nm) (Abs of 1 mg/ml of EPOwas about 0.743). Taken samples for SDS-PAGE. The separation ofnon-conjugated EPO was performed using anion exchange chromatography(AXC) if CA Mw is too small (e.g. 22 KDa) for separation of conjugateand EPO by SE-HPLC. For AXC the HIC fractions containing protein werediluted with AXC buffer A (10 mM Tris buffer pH 7.0) (1 ml sample+5 mlAXC buffer A) and loaded to the AXC column pre-equilibrated with AXCbuffer A. Loading fractions collected and labelled. Column was washedwith AXC buffer B (20 mM Sodium Acetate pH 3.0) (at least 10 ml)fractions collected and labelled. Eluted the product with AXC buffer C(50 mM Sodium Phosphate buffer, 1M Sodium Chloride, pH 7.0), firstfraction collected (0.5 ml) and then 0.5-1 ml fractions and labelled.Samples were kept on ice during purification.

Alternative purification can be done by SE-HPLC (e.g. to separateconjugates from EPO if CA used has high molecular weight, e.g. 39 kDa).Analysed the protein concentration by UV (280 nm) (Abs of 1 mg/ml of EPOis about 0.743). Taken samples for SDS-PAGE.

An aliquot was removed for protein assay and CA assay. Stored theremainder at −20° C. until use. Products were characterised by SOS-PAGE.To determine the activity of EPO samples in inducing proliferation invitro of erythrocyte progenitor cells isolated from the spleen of amouse rendered anaemic artificially through I.P. injection ofphenylhydrazine was used. The protocol was adapted based on the methodreported by Krystal [1972]. The assay depends on adding EPO toerythrocyte progenitors and measuring the rate of DNA replication bydetermining the rate of incorporation of ³H-thymidine. The in vivopharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) studies were done inB6D2F1 mice,

Results

Formation of the EPO-CA conjugates was confirmed by the SE-HPLC (changeof retention time of EPO-CA as compared to EPO; also co-elution of bothmoieties); ion exchange chromatography (binding of conjugates on to theAEC column) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE; shiftingof bands with high m.w. species) (FIG. 5.3). The polysialyted sampleswere active in vitro and showed vastly superior profile (PK and PD) toplain EPO. FIGS. 5.1 and 5.2 show in vivo results.

FIG. 5.3, left hand side, shows the SE-HPLC of EPO-CA 39 kDa conjugationafter 24 hours. Table 3 is the peak analysis table. Characterisationconditions:

column Superdex 200, buffer ammonium bicarbonate 0.15 M, pH 7.8.

TABLE 3 Peak RT % Ar Species 1 31.421 3.38 Aggregate 2 48.346 80.76CA39-EPO 3 59.204 15.86 EPO6.1 Preparation of N-Terminal Non-Glycosylated (NGepo-CA) Conjugates

Naked EPO was supplied as a solution (0.18 mg/ml in 20 mM sodiumphosphate buffer 300 mM NaCl pH 6.65; specific activity 100000 U/ml;m.w. 19000) and stored at −32° C., protein defrosted at 2-8° C. andtaken the required amount into a 2 ml eppendorf. Calculated the amountof colominic acid (e.g. oxidised or non-oxidised colominic acid) to beadded for conjugation. Weighed out the required amount of colominic acidand recorded the weight. Protein solution was added to solid CA andmixed gently. Added the required μl solution of sodium cyanoborohydridein order to have 50 mM or 3.17 mg/ml in the reaction mixture, vortexedand pH checked of the final reaction mixture; if necessary adjusted thepH to 7.4. Tube was sealed and stirred at desired temperature (4±1° C.)for 24 hours. After incubation, taken the necessary samples (e.g. foractivity assay, SDS-PAGE, SE-HPLC).

6.2 Purification and Characterization of NGepo-CA Conjugates

The remaining reaction mixture sample was diluted with HIC buffer A(1.2M Ammonium sulphate, pH 6.3) (1 ml sample+4 ml of buffer A) andloaded on the HIC column previously equilibrated with HIC buffer A.Loading fractions collected and labelled. Column was washed with HICbuffer A (at least 10 ml) fractions collected and labelled. Eluted theproduct with HIC buffer B, first fraction collected (0.5 ml) and then0.5-1 ml fractions and labelled. Samples were kept on ice duringpurification. Analysed the protein concentration by UV (280 nm) (Abs of1 mg/ml of nEPO was about 0.743). Taken samples for SOS-PAGE. Thereaction conditions led to no free naked EPO in the reaction mixture sono further purification was necessary. If naked EPO was present in thereaction mixture, the HIC fractions containing protein was concentratedusing Vivaspin 6 (5000 MWCO) & purification can be done by SE-HPLC.Analysed the protein concentration by UV (280 nm) (Abs of 1 mg/ml ofnEPO is about 0.743). Taken samples for SDS-PAGE.

An aliquot was removed for protein assay and CA assay. Stored theremainder at −20° C. until use. Product can be characterised bySDS-PAGE.

Results

Formation of the NGepo-CA conjugates was confirmed by the SE-HPLC(change of retention time of NGepo-CA as compared to NGEPO; alsoco-elution of both moieties); ion exchange chromatography (binding ofconjugates on to the AEC column) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE; shifting of bands with high m.w. species). (FIGS. 6.1 to6.3). FIG. 6.3, left hand side, shows EPO-CA 39 kDa conjugation after 24hours. The polysialyted samples were active in vitro and showed vastlysuperior profile (PK and PD) to plain NGepo.

FIG. 6.3 shows the SE-HPLC results. The peak analysis is shown in table4 below. Characterisation conditions-column Superdex 200, bufferammonium bicarbonate 0.15 M, pH 7.8.

TABLE 4 Peak FIT % Ar Species 1 31.863 3.41 Aggregate 2 33.212 6.65Aggregate 3 42.667 14.72 (CA)2-nEPO 4 48.571 74.49 CA-nEPO 5 68.183 0.73nEPO

FIG. 6.1 shows the in vivo clearance results PSA-NGEPO showed a vastlysuperior profile as compared to NGEPO.

7.1 Preparation of N-Terminal Insulin-CA Conjugates

The insulin was dissolved by minimum 100 mM HCl and then adjusted to therequired pH. Amount of colominic acid (e.g. oxidised or non-oxidisedcolominic acid) was calculated for conjugation. Required amount ofcolominic acid was weighed out and dissolved in the minimum volume ofreaction buffer, added to the protein solution and gently mixed using avortex mixer. Required μl of sodium cyanoborohydride was added to givefinal concentration of 4 mg per ml of reaction mixture. Suitablestabilizer was used if required in the reaction mixture. Tube was sealedand stirred at desired temperature (37° C.; as appropriate) for 48hours. The time and temperature may vary according to the protein used.Polysialylated protein purified by an IEC and HIC. 100% protein-polymerconjugation was achieved after 24 hours. It was characterised bynative-page, SDS-page, size-exclusion chromatography, ion-exchangechromatography etc.

In IEC, to purify insulin and insulin-colominic acid conjugates bycation exchange chromatography over a High Trap SP column in order toseparate polysialylated insulin (does not bind to column) from freeinsulin (which is retained on the column). This involves separation ofconjugate below its isoelectric point of 5.2 (at least one unit below)using cation-exchange resin. The activity of these conjugates weredetermined on healthy mice.

7.2 Purification and Characterization of Insulin-CA Conjugates

The reaction mixture sample was diluted 5 times with AEX buffer A (0.05Msodium acetate pH 4.4), pH was checked and adjusted if required to pH4.4, loaded on the AEX column (rate=1 ml/min) previously equilibratedwith AEX buffer A. The loading fractions were collected (each fraction1.5 column volume) and labelled. Washed column with AEX buffer A (0.05MSodium acetate pH 4.4) (at least 5 column volume, rate=1 ml/min),fractions collected (each fraction 1.5 column volume) and labelled.Eluted the product with AEX buffer B (0.05M sodium acetate, 1M sodiumchloride, pH 4.4) (rate=1 ml/min), fractions collected (each fraction 1column volume; 6 column) and labelled. If two consecutive fractions wereabsent in the protein content, moved to the next step. Samples were kepton ice during purification.

The AEX fractions containing conjugate were pooled and diluted 10 timeswith HIC buffer A (0.8 M Ammonium sulphate, 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH7.4), pH adjusted to 7.4 with hydrochloric acid solution or sodiumhydroxide solution. This solution was then loaded on to the HIC column(rate=0.3 mV/min) previously equilibrated with HIC buffer A (0.8 MAmmonium sulphate, 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.4). The loadingfractions were collected (each fraction 1.5 column volume) and labelled.Washed column with HIC buffer A (at least 5 column volumes; rate=0.5ml/min; (1.5 column volume) fractions collected and labelled. Eluted theproduct with HIC buffer B (50 mM sodium phosphate pH 7.4) (rate=5ml/min); fractions collected (1 column volume fraction; 6 column volume)and labelled. Samples were kept on ice during purification. Proteinconcentration analyzed by UV (280 nm). The HIC fractions containing thepurified conjugate were combined & concentrated at 4±1° C. and proteinconcentration analysed by UV (280 nm).

Results

Formation of the insulin-CA conjugates was confirmed by the SE-HPLC(change of retention time of insulin-CA as compared to insulin; alsoco-elution of both moieties); ion exchange chromatography (elution ofconjugates on to the CEC column) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE; shifting of bands with high m.w. species). (FIGS. 7.1 to7.2). The polysialyated samples showed superior in vive efficacy ascompared to native protein.

In FIG. 7.2 the HPLC conditions are as follows: Column: Superose 12;Buffer: Sodium phosphate 0.1M (pH 6.9); Flow rate: 0.25 ml/min;Injection volume: 200 μl.

8.1 Preparation of N-Terminal Interferon-CA Conjugates

The procedure to prepare and purify colominic acid (CA) conjugates ofIFNalpha2b involves conjugation in the presence of sodiumcyanoborohydride, followed by purification by HIC to remove freecolominic acid followed by removal of non-conjugated IFN by either AXCor SE-HPLC (if any) (example 1 mg scale).

IFNalpha2b was supplied as a solution (1.75 mg/ml in acetate buffer pH5) and stored at −32° C. Protein was defrosted at 2-8° C. and taken therequired amount into a 2 ml eppendorf tube. If the protein concentrationin the reaction mixture was lower than 1.75 mg/ml then it was dilutedwith the required amount of PBS pH 7.4.

Required amount of CA was weighed out & recorded. CA was solubilised inthe minimum volume of reaction buffer, added to the protein solution andgently mixed using a vortex. Added the required μl in order to have 50mM or 3.17 mg/ml in the reaction mixture, gently mixed and pH of thefinal reaction mixture was checked; if necessary adjusted the pH to 6.0.Tube was sealed and stirred at desired temperature (4±1° C.) for 24hours. Necessary samples were taken after incubation time (e.g. foractivity assay, SDS-PAGE, SE-HPLC).

82 Purification and Characterization of Interferon-CA Conjugates

The remaining reaction mixture sample was diluted with HIC buffer A (25mM Tris buffer, 3M sodium chloride, pH 7.5) (1 ml sample+4 ml of bufferA) and loaded on the HIC column previously equilibrated with HIC bufferA. Loading fractions collected and labelled. Column was washed with HICbuffer A (25 mM Tris buffer, 3M sodium chloride, pH 7.5) (at least 10ml) fractions collected and labelled. Column was eluted with HIC bufferB (25 mM Tris buffer pH 7.5), first fraction (0.5 ml) collected and then0.5-1 ml fractions were collected and labelled. Samples were kept on iceduring purification.

Protein concentration analyzed by UV (280 nm) (Abs of 1 mg/ml of IFN isabout 1). Samples for SDS-PAGE were taken.

The separation of non-conjugated IFN was performed using anion exchangechromatography (AXC) or SE-HPLC. For AXC, the HIC fractions containingprotein were diluted with AXC buffer A (25 mM Tris buffer pH 7.5) (1 mlsample+5 ml AXC buffer A) and loaded to the AXC column pre-equilibratedwith AXC buffer A. Loading fractions collected and labelled. Column waswashed with AXC buffer B (50 mM Sodium Phosphate, 150 mM sodiumchloride, pH 5) (at least 10 ml), fractions collected and labelled.Product was eluted with AXC buffer C (50 mM Sodium Phosphate, 1 M sodiumchloride, pH 7), first fraction collected (0.5 ml) and then 0.5-1 mlfractions and labelled. Samples were kept on ice during purification.

Further purification done by SE-HPLC (e.g. to separate di-conjugatesfrom mono-conjugates). (FIG. 8.1)

Protein concentration was analyzed by UV (280 nm) (Abs of 1 mg/ml of IFNis about 1) or by BCA assay. Samples were taken for SDS-PAGE. An aliquotwas removed for protein assay and CA assay. The remaining product wasstored at −20° C. until use. Product was characterised by SDS-PAGE. Theactivity was determined on daudi cell line.

Results

Formation of the interferon-CA conjugates was confirmed by the SE-HPLC(change of retention time of interferon-CA as compared to interferon;also co elution of both moieties); ion exchange chromatography (bindingof conjugates on to the AEC column) and polyacrylamide gelelectrophoresis (SDS-PAGE; shifting of bands with high m.w. species).(FIGS. 8.1 to 8.2). The polysialyted samples were active in vitro andshowed vastly superior profile (PK) to plain Interferon.

Table 5 shows the peak analysis of the SE-HPLC in FIG. 8.1.

TABLE 5 Aggregate Rt % Area 32.1 4.3 CA-IFN (di-) 55.1 9.7 CA-IFN(mono-) 62.4 56.2 Free IFN 74.7 29.49.1. Polysialylation of Obestatin

Obestatin is a 2.5 kDa appetite suppressing hormone. Whilst encoded bythe ghrelin gene, obestatin opposes ghrelins appetite-stimulatingeffects. Obestatin treatment of rats has been shown to suppress foodintake, inhibit jejunal contraction, and decrease weight gain.

9.2 N-Terminal Conjugation (Site-Specific)

15 molar excess of oxidised 14 kDa polysialic acid (PSA) was dissolvedin buffer and the pH adjusted to 6.0. Obestatin and 50 mM (finalconcentration) sodium cyanoborohydride was then added, the pHre-adjusted, and reaction mixture brought to the required volume,Reactions were carried out at 4±1° C. with gentle shaking for 18 hours.

9.3 Random Conjugation (Comparative)

10 molar excess of oxidised 14 kDa PSA was dissolved in buffer and thepH adjusted to 7.4. Obestatin and 50 mM (final concentration) sodiumcyanoborohydride was then added, the pH re-adjusted, and reactionmixture brought to the required volume. Reactions were carried out at4±1° C. with gentle shaking for 18 hours.

Analysis of Conjugation

Conjugation is confirmed by decrease in retention time, thus increasedsize, on size-exclusion-high performance liquid chromatography(SE-HPLC). 100 μL of conjugation reaction was injected onto SE-HPLCSuperose 12 column pre-equilibrated in 0.1M sodium phosphate pH 6.9,with a flow rate of 0.25 ml/min. Absorbance at 280 nm was recorded.

Conjugates are visualised by decrease in mobility on a sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) gel (FIG. 9).Samples were electrophoresed on a 4-20% tris-glycine gel undernon-denaturing conditions. Lane 1: Molecular weight markers; 2:Obestatin; 3: pH 6.0 reaction; 4: pH 7.4 reaction.

As confirmed by SE-HPLC obestatin-PSA conjugates were successfullycreated at both pH 6.0 and pH 7.4. Conjugates created at pH 7.4 are alsovisualized by SDS-PAGE.

10.1 Polysialylation of DNaseI

In cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, retention of viscous purulentsecretions in the airways contributes to both reduced pulmonary functionand to exacerbation of infections. Purulent pulmonary secretions containvery high concentrations of extracellular DNA which is released bydegenerating leukocytes that accumulate in response to infection.Treatment of CF patients with Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) hydrolyzesthe DNA, thus reducing sputum viscoelasticity. It has also been proposedfor the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and tumour targeting.

10.2 N-Terminal Conjugation (Site Specific)

20 molar excess of oxidised 26 kDa polysialic acid (PSA) was dissolvedin buffer and the pH adjusted to 6.0. Bovine DNaseI (Samsong & Sigma)and 50 mM (final concentration) sodium cyanoborohydride was then added,the pH re-adjusted, and reaction mixture brought to the required volume.Reactions were carried out at 37±1° C. and 4±1° C. with gentle shakingfor 18 hours.

10.3 Random Conjugation (Comparative)

10-50 molar excess of oxidised 14 kDa PSA was dissolved in buffer andthe pH adjusted to 7.4. Bovine DNaseI (Samsong & Sigma) and 50 mM (finalconcentration) sodium cyanoborohydride was then added, the pHre-adjusted, and reaction mixture brought to the required volume.Reactions were carded out at 37±1° C. and 4±1° C. with gentle shakingfor 18 hours.

10.4 Analysis of Conjugation

Conjugates were visualised by decrease in mobility on a sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) gel (FIG. 10.1).Samples were electrophoresed on a 4-20% tris-glycine gel undernon-denaturing conditions. Lane 1: Molecular weight markers; 2: Blank;3: DNaseI; 4: Sigma DNaseI; 5: Blank; 6: DNaseI with unoxidised PSA; 7:DNaseI oxidised PSA pH 7.4 reaction; 8: DNaseI oxidised PSA pH 6.0reaction

10.5 Purification of Conjugates

DNaseI-PSA conjugates were purified using hydrophobic interactionchromatography (HIC)-Phenyl-sepharose matrix, starting buffer containing2.0 M ammonium sulphate, elution in buffer without ammonium sulphate.Elution fractions are then applied to ion exchange matrix Q-sepharoseFast Flow, and eluted with buffer containing sodium chloride.Purification of conjugates was confirmed by size-exclusion-highperformance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) (FIG. 10.2). 100 μL ofconjugation reaction was injected onto SE-HPLC Superose 12 columnpre-equilibrated in 0.1 M sodium phosphate pH 6.9, with a flow rate of0.25 mL/min. Absorbance at 280 nm was recorded.

DNaseI-PSA conjugates show decreased retention time in a size exclusioncolumn compared to DNaseI alone.

10.6 Purification of Active DNaseI

Active DNaseI was purified from a mix of active and heat-inactivatedDNaseI by heparin-sepharose chromatography. DNaseI mixture was appliedto the column in low salt buffer, and eluted with an increasing gradientof sodium chloride. The activity per mg of DNaseI in fraction A12 wasapproximately 4 fold higher than that of the sample.

10.7 Activity of Conjugates

Activity conjugates were measured and compared to that of unconjugatedDNaseI using the methyl-green assay (Sinicropi et. al., (1994) AnalBiochem, 222(2):351-8). Purified DNaseI-PSA conjugates created at 37±1°C. showed approximately 10% activity (in 4 mM CaCl₂ buffer (see below))compared with non-conjugated DNaseI.

The effect of CaCl₂ titration on the DNA hydrolysis activity of DNaseIand the DNaseI-PSA conjugates was measured (n=1) (FIG. 10.3). CaCl₂ is aformulation additive. Methyl-green DNaseI assay was set up andadditional CaCl₂ added. The activity is expressed relative to theactivity in 4 mM CaCl₂ buffer. DNaseI methyl-green assay was set up withconjugated and free-DNaseI, and CaCl₂ added at varying concentrations toa maximum concentration of 100 mM. It was found that addition of CaCl₂increased the activity of conjugated DNaseI more than that of thefree-DNaseI. Thus more CaCl₂ is required for full activity of DNaseI-PSAconjugates.

CONCLUSION

Active DNaseI-PSA conjugates have been created in the presence of sodiumcyanoborohydride. The conjugates have been purified from free-DNaseI andshow approximately 10% activity per mg of DNaseI, compared to that offree-DNase.

REFERENCES

-   Femandes, A. I., Gregorladis, G., Polysialylated asparaginase:    preparation, activity and pharmacokinetics, Biochimica et Blophysica    Acta, 1341 (1997) 26-34.-   Femandes, A. I., Gregoriadis, G., Synthesis, characterization and    properties of polysialylated catalase, Biochimica et Blophysica    Acta, 1293 (1996) 92-96.-   Gregoriadis, G., McCormack, B., Wang, Z., Lifely, R., Polysialic    acids: potential in drug delivery, FEBS Letters, 315 (1993) 271-276.-   Jain, S., Hirst, D. H., McCormack, B., Mital, M., Epenetos, A.,    Laing, P., Gregorladis, G., Polysialylated insulin: synthesis,    characterization and biological activity in vivo, Biochemica et.    Biophysica Acts, 1622 (2003) 42-49.-   Jain, S., Hirst, D. H., Laing, P., Gregoriadis, G., Polysialylation:    The natural way to improve the stability and pharmacoldnetics of    protein and peptide drugs, Drug Delivery Systems and Sciences,    4(2) (2004) 3-9.-   Kinstler, O, Molineux, G., Treuhelt, M., Ladd, D and Gegg, C.,    Mono-N-terminal poly(ethylene glycol)-protein conjugates, Advanced    drug delivery reviews, 54 (4), 2002, 477-485.-   Lifely, R., Gilhert, A. S., Moreno, C. C., Sialic acid    polysaccharide antigen of Neisseria meningitidis and Escherichia    coli: esterification between adjacent residues, Carbohydrate    Research, 94 (1981) 193-203.-   Park, J. T., Johnson, M. J., A submicrodetermination of glucose,    Journal of Biological Chemistry, 181 (1949) 149-151.-   Shriner, R. L, Fuson, R. D. C., Curtin, D. Y., Morill, T. C., The    Systematic Identification of Organic Compounds, 6^(th) ed., Wiley,    New York, 1980.-   Svennerholm, L., Quantitative estimation of sialic acid II: A    colorimetric resorcinol-hydrochloric acid method, Biochimca et    Biophysica Acta, 24 (1957) 604-611.-   Wang, W. Instability, stabilization, and formulation of    liquidprotein pharmaceuticals, International Journal of    Pharmaceutics, 185 (1999) 129-188.-   Krystal, Exp Hematol 1983, 11(7). 649-660.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising a population ofpolysialic acid derivatives of a DNase protein, wherein the derivativescomprise between 2 and 200 sialic acid units and wherein the populationconsists substantially only of N-terminal derivatives of the protein. 2.The composition of claim 1, wherein the DNase is DNase I.
 3. Thecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the derivatives comprise 2-120sialic acid units.
 4. The composition according to claim 1, which is apharmaceutical composition and further comprises one or morepharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
 5. A method for producing apurified N-terminal derivative of a DNase protein in which (i) aPolysialic acid (PSA) is reacted at the amine group of the N-terminus ofthe DNase in aqueous acidic solution to produce an N-terminalderivative; and (ii) the resultant N-terminal derivative is purified inaqueous solution of higher pH than in step (i).
 6. The method of claim5, wherein the DNase is DNase I.
 7. The method according to claim 5,wherein the PSA comprises at least one sialic acid unit or moietyderived from a sialic acid unit.
 8. The method according to claim 5,wherein the PSA comprises a sialic acid unit or moiety derived from asialic acid unit at its non-reducing and/or reducing end.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 5, wherein the PSA consists substantially only ofunits of sialic acid.
 10. The method according to claim 5, wherein thePSA has at least 2 sialic acid units in the molecule.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 5, wherein the pH of the aqueous solution in step (i)is in the range 4.0-6.0 and in step (ii) is in the range 6.5-8.5. 12.The method according to claim 5, wherein a formulation additive is addedto the aqueous acidic solution in step (i).
 13. The method according toclaim 12, wherein the formulation additive is selected from the groupconsisting of one or more buffers, stabilizers, surfactants, salts,polymers, metal ions, sugars, polyols and amino acids.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein the formulation additive is sorbitol,trehalose or sucrose.
 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein theformulation additive is a non-ionic surfactant.
 16. The method accordingto claim 13, wherein the formulation additive is a polymer selected froma group comprising PSA, PEG or hydroxy-beta-cyclodextrin.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein the formulation additive is a divalentmetal ion.
 18. The method according to claim 13, wherein the formulationadditive is sodium phosphate/acetate buffer.
 19. An N-terminalderivative of DNase which is obtainable by a method according to claim5.